Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Breed Snapshot:

• Weight: 5.5-8.5 kgs
• Height: 25-33 cm
• Breed Size: Small
• Lifespan: 10-12 years
• Dog Breed Group: Toy
• Shed Level: Low shedding

Description

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, also known as the English Toy Spaniel or Cavalier, has a regal history dating back to the 17th century when they were favoured by royalty. They were originally bred as lap dogs and were cherished companions of monarchs. These affectionate dogs have a distinctive flat face, long ears, and large, expressive eyes. The breed comes in four distinct colours: black and tan, ruby, blenheim, and tri-colour.

Characteristics

Cavaliers are gentle, friendly, and make great family pets. They're loyal and loving to their owners and have a calm temperament. This breed gets along well with kids and other pets, so they're a great choice for families.
They can also be a bit stubborn. Unless you give them a treat, they won't always do what you want them to do!

Living Environment

King Charles Spaniels are small so they can live in smaller spaces like apartments or smaller houses as long as they get enough exercise and attention. But don't let their small size fool you - just ask their owners, and they'll tell you that these dogs think they're kings, so watch out for any royal decrees!
They are also cat-friendly and can coexist with feline friends.

Exercise

While the King Charles Spaniel is not a high energy dog, they still require daily exercise to keep them healthy and happy. A daily walk and some playtime in a fenced yard or a dog park will suffice.

Grooming

The breed's medium length coat is soft and silky, with a slight wave. Regular brushing is necessary to prevent matting and to keep their coat healthy and shiny. They are moderate shedders and are considered to be a low maintenance breed.

Health Problems

King Charles Spaniels are susceptible to a range of health issues, including:

• Heart disease: Due to their small size, King Charles Spaniels may be prone to heart disease, such as mitral valve disease, which is a common condition that affects the heart's ability to pump blood efficiently. Regular veterinary check-ups can help detect and treat heart disease early on.
• Ear infections: King Charles Spaniels have long, floppy ears that can trap moisture and debris, making them more prone to ear infections. Regular cleaning and inspection of their ears can help prevent infections.
• Respiratory problems: King Charles Spaniels have a flat face, which can cause respiratory issues, especially in hot or humid weather. Symptoms can include coughing, wheezing, or difficulty breathing.
• Mitral valve disease: This is a common condition in King Charles Spaniels, where the mitral valve in the heart becomes damaged and leaks blood into the wrong chamber. This can cause heart failure if not properly managed.
• Syringomyelia: This is a condition where fluid-filled cavities develop in the spinal cord, causing pain and discomfort in King Charles Spaniels. Symptoms can include scratching at the neck, head shaking, or weakness in the legs.
• Cataracts: This is a condition where the lens of the eye becomes cloudy, leading to vision impairment. King Charles Spaniels can be prone to developing cataracts, which can affect their quality of life.

Regular veterinary check-ups, a healthy diet, and appropriate exercise can help prevent or manage many of these health issues in King Charles Spaniels.

Did you know...

The King Charles Spaniel is named after King Charles II, who was often depicted in paintings with his beloved spaniels. Legend has it that he even issued a decree allowing his spaniels to enter any public place, including the House of Parliament!